WINTER BIRDS: A Novel

Book Description

In Jim Grimsley's remarkable first novel,

Winter Birds, Danny Crell tells himself

his own story, and in doing so illuminates

the heartbreaking story of his father's violent

tyranny over his mother, his sister, and his three

younger brothers.

The novel begins on Thanksgiving in rural

North Carolina in a broken-down cottage the

Crell children have nicknamed "The Circle

House." Ellen Crell's attempts at a family meal

are thwarted and finally disastrously ruined

when Bobjay draws her into a violent quarrel.

It leads to a chase wherein Bobjay is the hunter,

Ellen the prey, and their five children are caught

in between.

Winter Birds is a haunting, unforgettable

portrait of an American family shattered by

violence, and of the lengths a woman will go to

keep her family whole.

Customer Reviews:

affecting and grim.......2006-08-05

The mood and tone Grimsley is able to evoke is stunning. While the plot wavers around somewhat and the characters act in inexplicable ways, the power of the narrative will touch a chord in your heart that will reverberate for years. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented first-time novelist.

This story is more chilling than any horror genre tale/movie.......2006-03-30

No Jekyll & Hyde monster movie could ever achieve the level of true terror that exists in this book. I disagree strongly with reviewers who have said the author is somewhat disengaged from the characters, that this story is an exercise in writing technique. Writing style was nowhere in my mind when I turned page after page, anxious over the fate of the Crells.

Beautifully melancholy.......2003-10-18

Readers and reviewers have panned this novel as grim. But it is a celebration of the courage of Danny, a character who reappears (starring) in the novel "Comfort & Joy." We all know abuse happens - especially in situations of poverty. Compound that with the inherent abuse of an ignorant father against his small hemophiliac child and you have a definite "tear-jerker." Defying cliche, again, as he does in all of his novels, Grimsley shows the silent strength of the children who help their mother to dodge the father's brutality. You quickly envision the souls of 40 year olds trapped in the body of toddlers. It is something profoundly emotive. Something to be savored. Grimsley's talent lies in painting a psychological portrait of the characters. This can be a daunting task, but he does so with ease and fluidity. I recommend this book not because of its "tearjerker" plotline, but because of the inherent hope that rises from the strength of its characters. Much like his novel "Comfort and Joy," the writer seeks to ensconce desolation with strength and hope. It's a novel that is not grim; it is a novel that seeks to show the points of light in the pitch black of sadness.

very, very grim.......2003-09-23

This book, a cringing, nightmarish, too-violent-to-not-be-real heart wrencher, is nevertheless beautiful and extremely transfixing. The story is told in an eerie second-person narrative by Danny Crell, one of five children in a family with an unbelievably abusive alcoholic father.

At the beginning of the book after meeting Danny's brothers (one of whom is a hemophiliac like himself), the reader is also introduced to Danny's fantasy world near the river adjacent to the family home (dubbed "the circle house" due to its spherical path of doors). Danny has imagined for himself a kind and attentive father he calls The River Man, who is described to appear somewhat like bigfoot. As the stories of abuse begin in flashback form, we see very little of Danny's River Man, yet it sometimes feels as though the story is being told by him: "Even with a new baby she watched you every minute, Danny, and you never stepped out of the house without her warning you to be careful."

The novel culminates on Thanksgiving Day with unimaginable horror and a final act no one would suspect. The resolution I was hoping for never arrived, perhaps making the work even more realistic. A devastating book, but one worth reading. I look forward to reading Jim Grimsley's other novels.

Too Cold to Fly.......2002-09-09

There is no doubt that Jim Grimsley is an extremely talented writer. The language of Winter Birds is such that in places it can make you cry. Yet, in spite of this, there is an emotional sterility that pervades this book. I have noticed that many of today's writers equate seriousness of subject matter with seriousness of writing. Is this the [term] that writers fall into?

The subject matter of Winter Birds is one that has - thanks to [person's book club]choices - become cliched: family abuse. I do not mean to say that abuse in families does not exist or that it is not serious. I am saying that it has been written about to the extent that there is not much more to say about it. The shock value I found in Before Women Had Wings was emotionally overpowering. By the time I got to Winter Birds there was not anything that could be said or done that I did not expect.

As I say, Grimsley's ability to use language in setting a scene is almost equal to that of Lee Smith. But, language alone does not make for great writing. What should be an emotional experience simply becomes an exercise in writing technique. In Winter Birds I felt that Grimsley was an outsider observing what went on in the family he wrote about. Well, it may be that Grimsley has experienced some of what he wrote about. If that is the case, he has not dealt with his experiences or processed them fully. He was too detached, especially when he reached the point in the novel that was supposed to be the most shocking. When I read this part, I just felt that I had been manipulated through a weak effort to shock the reader into caring about and doing something about family abuse. I did not feel the pain the characters should have felt because the emotional link was not there. The book had fallen from the grace of writing to the skill of technique.

I own and will read [another book]...

Book Description

Sinjun Sherbrooke is bored with the London season, until she spies Colin Kinross across a crowded dance floor--and offers to be his bride.

Download Description

The dazzling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Bride trilogy. A 19-year-old beauty, Sinjun Sherbrooke is bored with London--until she meets Colin Kinross, a Scottish earl. The two elope to Scotland, but Sinjun's new home at Vere Castle holds more surprises than she could ever have imagined.

Customer Reviews:

Awful, Awful, Awful!.......2007-06-19

As I mentioned in my review of The Sherbrooke Bride, I bought this trilogy together. I guess I felt an obligation to read it through, although my inclination was to stop halfway through the first. The only actually redeeming quality throughout the other 2 books was the character of Sinjin. She was smart, tough and funny. I had some hope for her book out of all the others.

It started out okay but somewhat silly. By the time they get around to getting married, it's just awful. I know that one reviewer felt that this was "historically accurate", but while it might have been in some cases, it wasn't in all of them, and it definitely isn't the type of "accuracy" one wants to read in a "romance" novel. As another reviewer mentioned, you MIGHT be able to understand Colin "losing himself" the first two times, but the third was deliberate, forceful, and violent, and Colin admitted to using it as punishment. I still believe that Ms. Coulter must have had a terribly traumatic experience when losing her virginity, and is focused on that too much.

I also wonder what makes Ms. Coulter repeatedly refer to her "heroines" as looking extremely young. In each book they are mentioned as looking about 16 I believe. Isn't 18, 19, etc. young enough? Now I have to have the mental image of CHILDREN being raped?

Now that I have fulfilled my obligation to myself by reading this trilogy, I am completely done with this author. I've heard that her modern novels are better, but I'm just not willing to risk any more hours of my life on books that are little better than violent sex and story. That is NOT romance, it's not erotic, and I don't understand how anyone can consider it so.

Want GREAT authors? Mary Jo Putney, Kasey Michaels. Want good authors? Julia Quinn, Julie Anne Long, Jacquie D'Allessandro, Stephanie Laurens. Really really awful authors? This one tops my list. I cannot fathom why her books are so popular.

Formula still works, audiobook.......2007-03-17

In the Heiress Bride Coulter, gives the reader a chance to follow the continuing saga of the Sherbrooke family through the lone female of her generation. The heiress, Sinjin, is quite a bit younger than her three brothers -- almost a contemporary of her sisters-in-law, which makes their overprotectiveness understandable (sort of). The story begins as Sinjin overhears a conversation and annnounces to one of the conversants, Colin Kinross, a Scottish earl, that she is just what he is looking for in a wife. Although this is enough to establish Sinjin's unconventional nature, I found that reading about her exploits in her brothers' stories enriched my appreciation of her spirit.

Coulter's Sherbrooke series translate very well in the audio book format. The talented narrator is able to project the different characters through tonal qualities, inflection and regional speech patterns.

The MP3 format is a pleasure for those of us who listen to audio books to make lengthy workout sessions tolerable.

A Little history Lesson.......2006-12-12

Hi there, I enjoy all of Ms. Coulter's books, Especially the bride series, I follow them will b/c I love to read about history and for the most part concerning relationships between the man and woman in the 1800's that's how it was. The world was not just a overpouring with racism but sexism as well. During this victorian age men thought of themselves as superior and dominant over the woman. Back then it was the man that guided the woman through sexual intercourse, there was no sex ed! The night you got married was when you were educated. You can just imagine if men can mess up simple things like reading and writing, that they can mess up a woman's first time. The point is they handled it the best way they know how which is basically like a rape. But you can't fault Ms. Coulter for telling it like it is. That's how it was back then I mean it is an adult romance novel if you wanted something sweet and innocent you should have bought a disney movie. Yes these scenes may not be pretty or how we like them but that's a slice of life and if you don't like it bite something else! Ms. Coulter keep doin what you're doin some one is always going to have something they don't like. But let me tell you something I bet you a lot more wedding nights happened exactly how she described them back then, then just a sweet caring experience. Most men believed, Like Douglas said in the 'Sherbrooke Bride" that women weren't meant to recieve pleasure and it is a man's job to give it to them. That's not something she made up they really did believe that. So don't be mad at Ms. Coulter be mad at history.

bride trilogy.......2006-03-06

The Bride trilogy is the best ever although you should read in order or it ruins the whole effect enjoy it youll not be disapointed.

Sinjun and Colin..........2005-11-08

First-let's get the issue of the "forced sex" part on the wedding night-which was dissappointing, disgusting and completely devaluing an otherwise great book-out of the way.

Besides that almost fatal flaw-The Heiress Bride is a very good to great book! I love the characters in these novels-the Sherbrookes are fun, but flawed-wonderfully weird, and I was happy to see Sinjun and her brothers back-it's like seeing old friends again.

I like the way Coulter writes this family, the time period, and the interaction between characters-and I for one love the "ghostly" aspects in each book-they're fun. They do live in old manors-you'd think they would have have ghosts?

The love and or sex scenes could have been written better. I think most fans problems with the book is they love Sinjun from the previous novels-and wanted her to be cherished and appreciated and not seemingly ridden roughshod over by her husband and his family. Happily, Colin does learn the error of his ways and comes to truly appreciate the wonderfully flambouyant Sinjun:)

All in all-if you're a Coulter fan and have read the previous two Sherbrook books-you cannot miss out on Sinjun's story.

4 stars!

Average customer rating:

Absolutely The Best : )
Captivating storyline
AWESOME .
Poor little rich girl

the Heiress Bride (sister brides)
Lynne Graham
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Accessories:

Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel

ASIN: 0373122837

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely The Best : ) .......2006-07-25

back: Ione Gakis is one of the richest young women in the world. When her father orders her to marry Greek tycoon Alexio Christoulakis, Ione secretly plans to disappear on the wedding night...But she finds herself captivated by her husband-to-be`s charisma...

opinion: best Harlequin I have read...I love you always Ione and Alexio Christoulakis : )

best part of the book in my opinion:
"Alexio saw Edward the bear before he recognized his wife. Her back turned to him, a young girl who looked like a teenager was gazing into a shop with bear who might have been Edward`s double tucked beneath her arm. Alexio stilled, his gaze welding to the glorious fall of platinum fair hair falling to the girl`s waist. Ione? Could it be? In a chequer-board print skirt so tiny she should have been arrested for wearing it? Not to mention a pink crop top that exposed her bare midriff and absurd shoes with heels studded with stones that glittered?
Ione? Alexio was stunned, incredulous and awake to the reality that there was not a man within fifty yards failing to pay heed to her. He watched her stroll on to a magazine display and the slow, gliding walk was pure sex and Ione to the hilt. He saw her full face and snatched in a startled breath. The madonna perfection had been enhanced with cosmetics. She looked bloody spectacular, Alexio thought with a sudden stab of fury. He watched his wife produce an entire handful of high domination currency to buy one little magazine. The guy on the stand was so entranced by the fairy-tale princess before him that he started to explain what the notes were."

Captivating storyline.......2006-02-10

I found the heroine of this book, Ione, totally fascinating from beginning to end. Alexio, the hero, was fabulous from the get-go also, with sparks flying despite themselves and their own hidden agendas.

This is an intriguing storyline with unexpected twists & turns, and plenty of sexy scenes to keep one turning page after page.

Since the basic plot-line has already been given by another reviewer, I'll just say that Ione plays it meek at the beginning so that she can get her way later, which doeesn't take long! She soon sends the hero, Alexio, on a merry chase that I found a wonderful read. He ends up showing protective tendencies that are quite swoon-worthy.

This one is on my keeper shelf.

AWESOME . .......2003-09-14

This is one of her best books. A tale of love and romantic ideals from the hero and naivity and a strong sense of survival from the heroine. They both found pure Love and strove hard to preserve it inspite of their pride. The heroine showed a strength of character that is often lacking in some of Lynne's other heroines. The twist and turn of the plots take your breath away.Very good book you won't be able to put it down until the last word is read. very emotional.Excellent read.
Uenna.

Poor little rich girl.......2002-11-06

Ione Gakis, one of the richest young women in the world, yearns for freedom. When her father orders her to marry Greek tycoon Alexio Christoulakis, Ione secretly plans to disappear without a trace on the wedding night. However, this one is a little darker than most of her other stories. There is not any of that offbeat humor some of the stories have and I gave it three stars because I didn't care for the resolution of the conflict between Ione and her father. When he is dying, she goes back to be with him and gets all upset that he's helpless. A better plot conflict would have been that she didn't go back and Alexio won't understand why.

The Heiress: The Bride Quest #3 (Bride Quest Series, 3)

Average customer rating:

the Heiress
Unlikeable main characters.
Unlikeable main characters.
A Redeemer
Great character development

The Heiress: The Bride Quest #3 (Bride Quest Series, 3)
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440225892
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Book Description

"When you open a book by Claire Delacroix, you open a treasure chest of words, rare and exquisite!"
--Rendezvous

"I seek a bride, the wealthiest heiress in Ireland."

No woman can resist the charms of Rowan de Montvieux. But the dashing rogue is in no hurry to marry--until his family dares him to find a bride . . . or risk losing his inheritance. So Rowan sets out on a Bride Quest, vowing to wed only . . . The Heiress.

But his journey is interrupted when a slave merchant offers to sell him a ragged peasant girl who carries herself like a queen. Intrigued and never imagining she is the sought-after Bronwyn of Ballyroyal, an heiress in disguise, Rowan buys her, offering her his protection if she will lead him to the bride he seeks.

Never has he met a woman so proud, so beautiful, so defiant. He suspects she is no commoner and vows to uncover her secrets and melt her fiery resolve. But the perilous voyage to Ireland kindles passions that risk both their lives, as the slave girl who would not be mastered slowly takes possession of his wary heart. . . .

Don't miss the first two novels in the breathtaking Bride Quest trilogy: The Princess and The Damsel, both available from Dell.

Customer Reviews:

the Heiress.......2001-06-24

do people really finish this book? The plot is good but get on with it, the author spend about 2 or 3 chapters just on each lovemaking scene, shssss!!!. Laid off the sex already, we get the point. Read this book if stuck in the middle of nowhere and have nothing else to do because it is very slow pace that drag on and on and on... well you get the idea. A waste of money, i wouldn't recomend.

Unlikeable main characters........1999-10-18

I was very disapointed with this book. I read to page 220 and decided I was wasting my time. I did not like either the Heiress or her suitor. The were shallow selfish people. When I decided the character that interested me the most was Baldassre, the slave trading, revenge seeking Ventian, I put the book down and have no intention of finishing it. I have read other books by Delacroix that I really enjoyed. I do not recommend this book.

Unlikeable main characters........1999-10-18

I was very disappointed with this book. I read to page 220 and decided I was wasting my time. I did not like either the Heiress or her suitor. The were shallow selfish people. When I decided the character that interested me the most was Baldassre, the slave trading, revenge seeking Venetian, I put the book down and have no intention of finishing it. I have read other books by Delacroix that I really enjoyed. I do not recommend this book.

A Redeemer.......1999-10-11

This was a much better story than "Damsel". I felt the author redeemed herself in this book. Although I was a bit hesitant to read this book I had to know what "funny" Rowan would do to capture his Heiress. Strong characters. Nice ending.

Great character development.......1999-10-06

I had a hard time getting into this book, as it seemed that the first half (almost) of the story was nothing but Rowan betting Ibernia that he could get her into bed with him. But after that, the story really began to develop and I found myself falling in love with the characters as they fell in love with each other. The plot turns from Rowan trying to save Ibernia, to Ibernia (or Bronwyn) ultimately saving Rowan. Both strong characters, with a sweet love story, and some funny scenes as well. I enjoyed it.

The brides trilogy: A 3-in-1 edition including The Sherbrooke bride, The Hellion bride and The Heiress bride

Average customer rating:

The brides trilogy: A 3-in-1 edition including The Sherbrooke bride, The Hellion bride and The Heiress bride
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

ASIN: 0739414372

Product Description

3 in 1 edition. The Sherbrooke Bride, The Hellion Bride, and The Heiress Bride.

Tex'S Exasperating Heiress (The Brubaker Brides) (Silhouette Romance, No 1494)

Average customer rating:

Just plain fun
Great Series
Hilarious

Tex'S Exasperating Heiress (The Brubaker Brides) (Silhouette Romance, No 1494)
Carolyn Zane
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373194943

Customer Reviews:

Just plain fun.......2005-05-13

Charlotte Beauchamp is not an animal person. So when her beloved Nana dies, and Charlotte inherits Nana's potbellied pig Toto, Charlotte quickly becomes desperate enough to ask for help from animal behaviorist Tex Brubaker, despite the fact that there is no love lost between the two at their first meeting.

But can Tex really fall for a woman who can resist the antics of the adorable Toto? And will Charlotte survive all her ill-fated attempts to become gainfully employed, after having spent ten years caring for her Nana?

Actually, it's the pig who turns out to be the real hero here. Great fun.

Great Series.......2002-04-12

I started the series and really enjoyed this one. The poor woman has more trouble getting a job. I had to laugh at all the attempts. Keep going Carolyn.

Hilarious.......2002-01-10

Texas "Tex" Brubaker is the third of Tiny Brubaker's nine kids. He works as an animal trainer of sorts. Charlotte Beauchamp is his Uncle Big Daddy Brubaker's wife, Miss Clarice's second cousin (or something like that. I can't quite remember.) Charlotte's rich great-grandmaother died and left Charlotte a pig and everything else. The only stipulation, Toto had to have died a natural death before she could get anything else. Charlotte has never found herself to be an animal person and so she goes to her cousin, because she heard that her cousin's nephew might be able to help her. The rest is Brubaker history.
I hope to see stories about the rest of the Brubakers. Tiny's kids: Tucker, Ginny, Georgia, Carolina, Mary, and Lucy. And Big Daddy's kids: Kenny, the twins Waylon and Willie, and "little" Hank (who is probably like twenty-five or something). The other eight stories have already been told.

Sherbrooke Bride Series: The Sherbrooke Bride, The Hellion Bride, The Heiress Bride, Mad Jack, the Courtship, The Scottish Bride, Pendragon, The Sherbrooke Twins, Lyon's Gate (Set of 9)

Average customer rating:

Sherbrooke Bride Series: The Sherbrooke Bride, The Hellion Bride, The Heiress Bride, Mad Jack, the Courtship, The Scottish Bride, Pendragon, The Sherbrooke Twins, Lyon's Gate (Set of 9)
Catherine Coulter
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000MVE9Z4

Heiress Bride (Harlequin Historical, No 301)

Average customer rating:

Very enjoyable - great sequel that can stand alone!
VERY GOOD MEDIEVAL STORY!

Heiress Bride (Harlequin Historical, No 301)
Susan Paul
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373289014

Customer Reviews:

Very enjoyable - great sequel that can stand alone!.......2002-06-17

The Heiress Bride introduces you to Lady Rosaleen Sarant of Seire who has been beaten into unconsciousness by her legal guardian her Uncle Anslem. Her uncle is forcing her to wed a man, although a noble, who has paid a high price for the very beautiful heiress but he is known to be foul, uncouth and an abuser of women.

By disguising herself as a common woman, Rosaleen makes good on her escape. She is about to be assaulted by those thinking she was a common strumpet when she sought shelter at an inn. Hugh Caldwell, not a Knight, although he had been asked many times by the King to be Knighted, notices her plight and through quick thinking saves her from that mess. She begs him for an escort to get her to London, and he has no intention of going there but relents and will bring her to his brother who he's sure will get her there.

Here then, evolves the story of the man saving the woman and the woman saving the man. This is a sequel to the Bride's Portion, although the story is so well written it stands extremely well on it's own. It is a story of selfless love, and the compromises that can be made when people love and trust one another. Rosaleen keeps her secret, even from the man she loves, knowing she could be killed if her Uncle or her betrothed find her. Hugh denies who he is and must come to terms with his past, swallow his pride, and forgive the father he felt betrayed him.

This truly is a wonderful story with a lot of emotion, human kindness, humor, and above all love. Terrific sequel, but can definitely stand alone. Well worth your while to try to obtain a copy of this out of print book.

VERY GOOD MEDIEVAL STORY!.......2000-04-24

This is a very heartwarming story about a knight, Hugh, and a beautiful young lady, Rosaleen. Hugh is charged with the duty of escorting Rosaleen (also a great heiress) to court unharmed.

After spending 12 years fighting for England and seeing many a horror, he knew at their first meeting that sweet and innocent Rosaleen was a prize worth protecting. And, if he could just convince her -- to stand by his side, forever & that her lands mean little to a man such as he.

Product Description

Paperbacks

3 Titles by Claire Delacroix (THE BRIDE QUEST, The Beauty - The Countess - The Heiress)

Average customer rating:

3 Titles by Claire Delacroix (THE BRIDE QUEST, The Beauty - The Countess - The Heiress)
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TQ9IXA

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